Simple CTE question

[DanStro]

When you input a temperature dependent thermal expansion coefficient does Abaqus interpolate the coefficient for temperatures in between those that you define or are they considered constant until the next temperature you define comes up?

I've tried searching in the help pages but I couldn't find anything. Though I am I am sure I'm not searching for the right terms.

Does anyone know?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[rstupplebeen]

I believe that it interpolates. If you really want to know make a unit cube meshed with one element. I make these models very often because you can read the help and try to find the answer or just prove it your self. I tend to trust the latter. I hope this helps.

Rob Stupplebeen

 

[DanStro]

I've been assuming that it linearly interpolates but I made a test case and my calc came out different from the model. I'll take another look at them to make sure it is just something that I did wrong.

Thanks,
Dan